persuasion
Are not Religion & Politics the Same Thing?
William Blake
Here lies the Eikon Basilike published in 1648/1649. There was no single illustration, only a frontispiece of a king kneeling down in prayer. This image was etched on peoples' memories; aroused sympathetic emotions for a once unfavorable monarch now that has lost his last breath on the scaffold. The book topped the bestseller list. It's one main reason: the use of religion as a selling point. You want people to support you, so you go sentimental and spiritual, you kneel down and pray, you pretend to be Christ. You persuade. Just like what politicians do. Luckily, everyone's soul is elevated. You have succeeded. Milton persuaded, too, in his book. But he only sold three copies. Wrong strategy--it's all about marketing. The 17th century is no less different than 2003: In the world of publishing, everyone is fair. Win the hearts of the public, and you shall not die in vain.